Introduction
#1 Soapstone Countertops in East Tennessee
Soapstone is formed through the process of metamorphism, which occurs when pre-existing rocks are subjected to intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s crust. This process causes the minerals in the rock to recrystallize and form a new rock with different characteristics.
One of the most notable properties of soapstone is its high talc content, which gives it its characteristic softness and smooth texture. Its natural beauty and unique veining patterns make it a sought-after material for both practical and decorative purposes.
Overall, soapstone is a versatile and durable rock with unique properties that make it a popular choice for countertops, and other architectural elements in residential and commercial settings.
Why Choose Soapstone
Benefits of Soapstone
These benefits make soapstone an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a unique natural stone with soft elegance, excellent heat resistance, and a timeless, evolving patina.
Genuinely Non-Porous
Not “resistant to staining.” Non-porous. Liquids do not enter the stone, so there is nothing to stain and no sealer to apply, ever. Red wine can sit overnight and wipe off in the morning.
Chemically Inert
Lemon juice, vinegar, wine and household cleaners do nothing to soapstone. Where marble etches from a splash of citrus, soapstone does not react at all. This is why laboratories have used it for over a century.
Heat Proof, Not Just Heat Resistant
Take a pan straight off the burner and set it down. Soapstone absorbs heat and releases it slowly, which is why wood stoves are lined with it. No trivets, no thinking about it.
Scratches Sand Out
Soapstone is the only countertop material a homeowner can repair themselves. A scratch takes fine sandpaper and a few minutes, then a wipe of mineral oil. Nothing else in this category is user-repairable.
Hygienic By Nature
Because nothing absorbs, there’s nowhere for bacteria to sit. No sealer, no special products, just soap and water.
Locations
Areas Granite Depot Serves
...and much more!
Reviews
Hundreds of happy customers & counting
4.5
200+ reviews
“We are incredibly pleased with the entire process of adding new countertops to our home from Granite Depot. From the first interaction to the installation was seamless & pleasant all around! They have a broad inventory with exceptional quality to choose from, and knowledgeable & professional staff. Would highly recommend Granite Depot to make your kitchen aesthetically beautiful! Thank you for bringing our dream kitchen to life.”
Brittany W.
Johnson City, TN · Countertops & Backsplashes
Google · 5 months ago
“Excellent experience. Thank you, Granite Depot of Knoxville! The sales lady was super knowledgeable and patient with our questions. The tech that came to the house to measure in advance was very efficient. And the crew that came to handle the installation was quick and professional. I’ll be contacting them again for the upcoming job!”
Ruthe C.
Knoxville, TN · Installation
Google · 1 month ago
“I had Granite Depot install new stone countertops and backsplash in my kitchen. Becca was wonderful through the process – the crew was efficient and completed the project in two working days – less than a week total. The countertops beautiful and everyone who visits loves to explore the crystalline structure of the stone.”
Jennifer S.
Knoxville, TN · Stone Countertops & Backsplashes
Google · 4 months ago
“Granite Depot is a phenomenal company! They go above and beyond to make sure the customer is happy, even if it means working in the snow because of our timeline. Rachel was our contact and she was extremely pleasant, meticulous and really stayed on top of the entire process. The installers did a fantastic job and sent pictures of their work afterward. I highly recommend Granite Depot.”
Dave and Christin N.
Johnson City, TN · Installation
Google · 1 month ago
“I cannot say enough about Granite Depot of Sevierville and Adrian. I was in a bind needing a quick install and he went above and beyond to make sure that I got the stone that I wanted and had it installed in the time that I needed very professional and always kept me informed of what was going on. It was not a huge job, but they treated me just like if it were a huge job they had me installed in seven days. Highly Recommend Adrian and the Granite depot.”
Sandra G.
Sevierville, TN · Stone Installation
Google · 4 months ago
“My experience with Granite Depot of Knoxville was great on every level. Each person of the staff I worked with provided knowledgeable and helpful advice on design choices and product information. They made the shopping experience fun and kept my budget in mind as well. Lastly, they did a superior job on my installation which had challenges and went a long way to show off the skills of the team. Overall, I am very impressed and satisfied with this wonderful team.”
Sally G.
Knoxville, TN · Kitchen Countertop
Google · 2 months ago
Countertops in East Tennessee
Stone that lasts a lifetime — installed in days, not weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Does soapstone need to be sealed?
No, never. Soapstone is genuinely non-porous, so there is nothing for a sealer to penetrate and nothing for liquids to soak into. This is one of the few materials where “no sealing” is literally true.
Does soapstone stain?
No. Wine, coffee, oil and juice sit on the surface and wipe off, even after sitting overnight. Nothing absorbs.
Does soapstone scratch?
Yes, it’s soft and it will mark. The difference is that scratches sand out with fine grit sandpaper and a wipe of mineral oil, which you can do yourself in minutes. It’s the only countertop material that’s homeowner-repairable.
Do I have to oil my soapstone?
No. Oiling is a choice, not maintenance. Soapstone darkens naturally over time from use, and mineral oil simply speeds that up and evens it out. If you never oil it, nothing bad happens, it just takes longer and looks patchier along the way.
What does mineral oil actually do?
It darkens the stone immediately, taking it from pale grey to deep charcoal, and brings out the veining and any green or blue tones. Most people oil frequently in the first year and rarely after that.
Can you put a hot pan on soapstone?
Yes, directly. Soapstone absorbs heat and releases it slowly, which is why wood stoves are lined with it. Heat is the one thing that genuinely cannot hurt this material.
Does soapstone etch like marble?
No. Soapstone is chemically inert, so lemon juice, vinegar and wine have no effect. This is why laboratory countertops have been made from it for over a century.
Why does soapstone look so different in the showroom?
Because dry soapstone is pale grey and oiled soapstone is deep charcoal. They look like two different stones. Always ask us to wet a section before you decide, since the wet appearance is what your kitchen will look like.
Does soapstone come in white or light colours?
No. The range runs from mid grey to near-black, often with green or blue undertones and lighter veining. If you want a pale kitchen surface, soapstone is not the material.
What is the difference between artistic and architectural soapstone?
Artistic soapstone has very high talc content and is meant for carving, too soft for countertops. Architectural soapstone contains more quartz, making it harder and suitable for kitchen use. We use architectural grade.
Is soapstone good for a rental property?
We’d usually say no. Guests will mark it and nobody is there to sand and oil. Granite or quartz suit turnover properties better.
Can soapstone be used outdoors?
Yes. It handles weather and temperature swings well and does not stain, which makes it a genuine option for outdoor kitchens alongside granite.
Find Us
Serving the Knoxville, Maryville, Johnson City & Sevierville areas
- 1215 Middlesettlements Rd, Maryville, TN 37801
- Mon–Fri 9a–6p · Sat 10a–3p
Free Estimate
Get a free estimate today
A team member will contact you during business hours to discuss your project and next step.